Public Safety Department &
Emergency Preparedness

It is the policy of the College Board of Trustees to protect the members of the college community and to protect the property of College of the Desert. Under the general direction of the V.P. of Administration, the College of the Desert Public Safety Department shall insure that reasonable protection is provided by using methods that fit within the educational philosophy and process of the college.

Public Safety Officers

College  Of The Desert Public Safety Officers are non-sworn and unarmed. Public Safety Department Officers are available on campus 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  Officers patrol the campus routinely to ensure a safe and secure environment.

Sheriff's Department

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department has jurisdiction on campus and enforces State and local laws. They also enforce any Vehicle Code violations, and complete investigations of all criminal and traffic cases that occur on the campus. 

Lost and Found Items

The Public Safety Department safe keeps all Lost and Found items. All items turned in are logged and stored. Every attempt is made to locate the owner and return their property to them. If you find lost property please turn it in to the Public Safety Department office in a timely manner so that we may try 

and locate the owner.  

Reporting a Crime

Potential criminal actions, other emergencies on or near campus can be reported by dialing 911 from any campus extension, or call 2111 to reach Public Safety Department.

Parking Enforcement

Public Safety Officers enforce parking regulations on campus. Any vehicle on campus must have a parking sticker or a daily parking permit. Daily permits can be purchased for $1.00 in lots 4, 14, 23 and 28. Students may NOT park in the public library side of the parking lot, McCallum Theatre parking, or staff/faculty parking.  Semester parking permits can be purchased at the Bursar's Office located in the Cravens Student Services Center (first floor) or online. No person may park in a disabled parking space without a current DMV Disabled placard that is issued to the driver. 

Parking Contest Forms

If you are issued a citation and you feel that you have grounds to contest the citation, you may fill out a Parking Contest Form. This form is located online​, as well as in the Bursar's office or the Public Safety Department office. Failure to display a valid permit is not grounds to file a parking contest form. ​  ​​